Videos show fights on Cairns streets as business owners call for action

Distressing video shows groups brawling in the main streets of Cairns as business owners urge authorities to act.

Distressing video footage of street fighting in Cairns CBD has emerged as businesses urge authorities to act.

The videos, taken over a month period earlier this year, show groups of people brawling in the main streets.

Mick Hasler, proprietor at several hospitality venues, said the violence was so bad it was impacting trade at his establishments.

“I reckon 2022 is probably the worst it’s ever been,” Mr Hasler said.

“We manage the Crown Hotel as well as PJ O’Brien’s, and walking between the two is scary. There’s big groups of itinerants harassing every single person who walks by.

“It’s not just adults but also kids … the young groups getting around preying on tourists and people walking alone. I’ve had two staff who were walking home alone at night beaten up severely by kids.

PJ O'Brien's Operations manager Mick Hasler. Picture: Justin Brierty

“I think a lot of people stay away from our side of town because of that.”

Another hospitality proprietor, who asked to remain anonymous, said the violence was common on most nights.

“They’re attacking tourists,” they said.
“If we lose tourists because of this, Cairns is done. This is a really bad look.”

Ken Chapman, Tourism Tropical North Queensland chair, said he was not aware that violence in the CBD was impacting Cairns’ reputation as a tourist destination.

“Every city in the state is suffering this … this town is not more dangerous than anywhere else,” Mr Chapman said.

Emmi Baines, a backpacker from England, and Kate Lally, from Ireland, said they felt unsafe in certain areas of the CBD.

“I’ve been yelled at a few times by people on the streets and it is very intimidating,” Ms Baines said.

“Their behaviour is scary because you don’t know what they’re going to do next.”

A violent altercation on Shields St in Cairns CBD. Picture: Supplied

Jada Benamari from the Netherlands said she’s noticed aggression from drunk and homeless people escalate at night while her friends and other backpackers have shared stories of muggings and violence on Cairns streets.

Cairns' reputation as a safe and friendly tourism destination is being tarnished by petty crime and juvenile delinquency in the city CBD. Jada Benamari is visiting Cairns with friends and has been warned not to walk alone at night due to the anti social behaviour in the city centre. Picture: Brendan Radke

Glenn Howard, an English backpacker, said he was aware of the violence but had not been impacted by it.

“I knew another lady who was travelling here from America, and she was beaten up by a group in the CBD,” Mr Howard said.

Cairns Regional Councillor Amy Eden said the problem of anti-social behaviour was complex but many organisations were working on solutions.

“The reputation of our city is at stake – this cannot be understated,” Cr Eden said.

“I have witnessed tourists filming incidents and no doubt they’re sharing across various social media platforms. This is not the Cairns story we want told or shared.”

Cr Eden said the council planned to work with new Queensland police liaison officers, or social connectors, in the New Year.

Cairns Regional Councillor Amy Eden said the reputation of the city was at stake. Picture: Brendan Radke

Acting Chief Superintendent for the Far North Rhys Newton said overall offences in the CBD had decreased by six per cent from October to November 2022.

“The QPS uses a borderless policing model … this means Cairns Police are supported by Far North District resources to quickly respond to incidents and in fitting numbers,” Superintendent Newton said.

“We are also currently using Alcohol-Fuelled Violence funding to perform extra patrols within the Safe Night Precinct during times of peak calls for service.

“Additionally, an action plan implemented by Cairns City Police Beat and the Cairns Anti-social and Public Space team is addressing anti-social behaviours regarding itinerant people.

“This was cause for ongoing concerns to some businesses and tourism operators in Cairns.”

Cairns MP Michael Healy said the Cairns Diversionary Centre was being extended to a capacity of 50 people, including the addition of a women’s wing, to accommodate itinerants of the city.

“We will also have an increased health presence … we acknowledge a large number of itinerants face significant health issues. By having health professionals on the ground, we are confident this will assist those in need,” Mr Healy said.

Mr Healy said a CBD Renewal Group, convened by the QPS, had been operating for about seven months to address illegal and anti-social activity in the CBD.

Originally published as Videos show fights on Cairns streets as business owners call for action